It’s ONLY a “theory”

The•o•ry - a coherent group of general propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena


I am currently reading “Why evolution is true” by: Jerry Coyne. It’s a really great book and I suggest reading it, not only for those that dismiss evolution, but also for those that want to have a better understanding of evolution itself.

When discussing evolution, one will always encounter the refutation that evolution is “only a Theory”. It is simply a guess of what might have happened or what might be happening.

I always get frustrated at these kinds of arguments, because they come from ignorance. I can never seem to find the words to rebut. I understand that scientific theories are more than just guesses. I can’t begin to understand how someone would argue the Theory of Evolution, and at the same time uphold Cell Theory.

In “Why evolution is true”, Mr. Coyne gives an eloquent explanation. He takes his position by first explaining the difference between an average understanding of the word “Theory” and then giving a scientific definition of “Theory”. He says “Indeed, the everyday connotation of ‘theory’ is ‘guess,’ as in, ‘My theory is that Fred is crazy about Sue.’” This is not, however, the context that the scientific community uses the word theory.

Consider the cell theory, theory of relativity, germ theory, and atomic theory, for example. Few dispute them as a whole. If I were to tell someone that all living things are made of cells, or that bacteria and viruses cause illness, most people would agree. These theories explain those facts. Evolution is no different. The theory of evolution simply explains the processes and principles that govern the idea of life evolving. Mr. Coyne says “…the theory of evolution is more than just the statement that ‘evolution happened’: it is an extensively documented set of principles… that explain how and why evolution happens”. The rest of his book highlights these principles.

I truly could not have said it better!

If you need an in depth look at these principles, take a look at “The Structure of Evolutionary Theory” by; Steven Jay Gould.

From Pig to Primate

Researchers at the University of Ohio will soon begin studying the relationship between temperature and the ability to “jump’ species, in Viruses. This will most certainly be an interesting study.


They hope to understand mutations that have helped viruses adapt to warmer temperatures. They believe there could be a correlation with the same mutation, making it “easier” for viruses to infect species other than those already susceptible.

In the recent past we have seen viruses “jump” species more frequently. N1H1 and the Avian Flu are two such viruses. This, the researchers say, could be related to a rise in temperature across the globe. They believe, mutations that stabilize viruses enough to allow them to thrive in warmer temperatures could pave the way for additional mutations making it easier for the virus to switch hosts.

As I read the article on ScienceDaily.com, I began thinking.

As global temperatures rise, viruses are faced with a “pressure”, so to speak, to adapt or die. The greater the pressure, the more likely viruses will make this adaptation. If this pressure didn’t exist there would be a smaller chance the adaptation to warmer temperatures would occur (evolution and natural selection at its best).

So, if the researchers do find a relationship here, would it mean that we are responsible for the viral pandemics that have occurred over the last 20 years? Also, if we were to do something about global warming, would this decrease the chances of viruses jumping hosts?

Outlook for Science Funding... "Getting There"

United States legislators have just passed a bill for the 2010 fiscal year to appropriate significant funds to some of the nation’s leading science organizations! Bill H.R. 3288 Sec 219 (a) Sub Chapter IV of Chapter 57 states that NOAA, NSF, NASA, and NIH will all receive funds to support their research, education, and programs, if approved by the president.


The bill is now sitting on the president’s desk, waiting to be penned into existence. Find out how your Senators and Representatives voted. Thank them if they voted YAY; tell them you disapprove if they voted NAY. You can look up their contact info here and here.  Contact the president and let him know that you value Science and Technology education and advancement, and he should too!

Bacteria bring new meaning to “Drug Dependency”

Evolution at its best!

Or worst, for those who are fighting Tuberculosis. According to an article posted by ScienceDaily.com, a new study shows that a strain of Tuberculosis actually thrives in individuals treated with rifampin. This same drug is used as treatment against Tuberculosis. In fact, according to MedlinePlus.com, a website run by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “rifampin eliminates bacteria that cause Tuberculosis”.

This strain has not only become resistant to the drug, but apparently, now requires the drug for its own survival. This same drug is a “first line” drug meaning that many doctors proscribe this drug first as part of a multi-drug treatment plan. The researchers say that this dependent strain is difficult to identify in patients. This could mean that rifampin could prove useless in the fight against tuberculosis forcing health care professionals and researchers to rethink their plan of attack against the disease.

ScienceDaily.com says that “The study…conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Chongqing Pulmonary Hospital, Lanzhou University and Fudan University, will appear in the January 2010 issue of The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.”

On a darker more demented note: check this out.